How to Make Decorative DIY Bed Pillow Covers?

Pillow covers and protectors are the basic bedding accessories for a healthy sleep environment. They not only offer protection for the pillow but also stops dust mites and even the bed bugs.

A basic essential for a comfortable, healthy, and clean sleep environment; bed pillow covers or protectors enhance the lifespan of the bedroom pillows as well as improve cleanliness and comfort.

From waterproof pillow covers to cooling and allergen barriers, there are a number of choices available on the market.

What Is A Pillow Cover?

A pillow cover is the case or covering of the pillow, which extends the life of the pillow by protecting it against wear and tear. But the most important and primary purpose of these covers is to block moisture, stains, dust mites, fluids, and bed bugs from penetrating into your pillow and ruining its beauty.

There are many pillow covers available on the market with the fabric technology offering advanced features of comfort and health. It is quite easy to remove a pillow cover and wash it as compared to cleaning the whole pillow. You can get pillow covers in a variety of colors, sizes, fabrics, materials, and also with varying protecting features.

Types of Pillow Covers

There are different methods of finishing the ends, or back of a pillow, depending on what kind of pillow cover you are designing. If you know the best way to close a pillow, it can make a huge difference in the overall look and convenience offered by pillow covers.

1. Envelope Pillow Cover

An envelope pillow cover is one of the popular pillowcase covers that looks exactly the same as it sounds like. The backing of this pillowcase has two panels of the fabric that overlap, ending up into an envelope style pillowcase closure in which you slip your pillow foam.

An envelope style is perfect if you do not want to go for the zippers. This style is also perfect if you wash your pillow cover frequently as it can easily and quickly be removed and still looks beautiful. You can also embellish the envelope closes with buttons and ties to add more interest and whimsy.

2. Drawstring Pillow Cover

Drawstring closures are most commonly used for the tube pillows. A drawstring pillowcase is a very easy and simple closure, and there is nothing tricky in it. This pillowcase closes the same as the pair of pajama pants or a tote with a drawstring close.

3. Zipper Pillow Cover

In the case of the zipper closure, you can either use a zipper that is invisible in your pillow cover, or you can use an exposed zipper. Zipper closure suits perfectly on the large pillows, such as the floor cushions.

4. Bedding Pillow Covers

Generally, a pillow cover used for the bed closes in two ways. The first way is with an open end, which is the easiest one if you are planning to make DIY pillow covers. If you prefer an open-end, make sure that you leave enough room at the end of the cover to fully cover the inner pillow foam.

In the second way, there is a hidden flap on the open end. The purpose of the flap is to tuck the pillow foam inside and keep it from showing.

Benefits of Pillow Covers

The pillow covers are effective in offering the following types of pillow protection:

· Stains and Spills

The waterproof pillow covers are vital for protecting the pillow from sweat, fluids, spills, stains, and other accidents. It is the perfect protection for your pillows that prevents liquids and moisture from soaking into your pillow, damaging the fill inside or giving off an unpleasant odor, particularly in case of feather-filled and down pillows.

A waterproof pillow cover also protects your pillows from the staining, which is caused by makeup, fluid, or accidental spills. In case any of these happen on the pillow cover, remove the cover, wash it, and your pillow will remain in perfect condition.

· Wear and Tear

A pillow cover adds a layer of fabric on the pillow that will prevent some of the light wear and tear associated with sleeping on the pillow every night. The decorative pillow covers may also have more than one layer of fabric.

When you use pillows for a long time, at some point, they get dirty, fade, or accrue holes or tears. By using a standard pillow cover, you can prevent this damage to some extent.

· Protection Against Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny and little pests that are serious havoc for the sleeping environment. These bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals, so mattress and pillow are the most desired location for them to live, and highly susceptible to infestations.

You can prevent these bed bugs from reaching or penetrating into your pillows by using a pillow cover that fully seals and encompasses the entire pillow. For this, there are many pillow covers available that are prepared from the bed-bug proof fabric and zipper.

They prevent bed bugs from entering in the pillows and keep your bedroom infestation free. To ensure the utmost protection, look for the pillow cover that is certified from the entomology lab.

· Feather-Proof and Down Pillow Covers

Feather-proof and down pillow covers are one of the affordable and cheap pillow covers, designed to prevent the loss of the pillow’s fill. These covers keep your pillow intact and also your bed clean from debris.

Feathers can poke through and also escape from the typical pillow covers, resulting in an uncomfortable sleep surface. If you are using a feather pillow without a feather proof pillow cover, it will damage the pillow cover fabric, especially if the fabric is waterproof.

· Allergen-Free Pillow

There are pillow covers that are constructed from special fabrics that offer protection against various types of allergens. An allergen-free pillow cover keeps the dust mites away, which are the most common household allergens.

A waterproof pillow cover prevents the growth of mildew or mold, which are the common allergy triggers inside the pillow. Moreover, you can get pillow covers that are pesticide and chemical-free and reduce skin irritations, perfect for sensitive people.

Fabrics Used for Pillow Covers

Pillow covers are available in a wide range of fabrics. Following is the list of the most common fabrics that are used for the manufacturing of pillow covers along with their benefits.

A. Cotton Pillow Covers

Cotton pillow covers are prepared from the natural fabric of cotton and are soft as well as breathable, offering a comfortable night’s sleep. The cotton fabric is available without any pesticide and chemical treatments, making it perfect for the babies and those people who have sensitive skin.

Cotton bed pillow covers are one of the favorite choices when it comes to comfort, but the biggest drawbacks of these covers are that they do not wick moisture, the cotton fibers are not smooth as compared to other natural fibers are like Tencel, and they also don’t provide refuge against allergens like dust mites.

B. Bamboo Pillow Covers

Bamboo pillow covers are quite famous because of the natural benefits of comforting and soothing bamboo fabric. Like Tencel, the fabric of bamboo pillowcases is also moisture-wicking and prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Bamboo pillow covers allow the sensitive sleepers to rest soundly as bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic pillow cover.

C. Polyester Pillow Covers

Polyester is a durable fabric that is easy to maintain and convenient to wash. It is also less expensive as compared to other pillow covers. Polyester pillowcases are available in a variety of styles and patterns; they can be flexible and stretchy for conformity and comfort.

Although polyester is not as cool fabric as other fabrics like Tencel, but it can be blended with other materials to maximize comfort and protection. Polyester is a fast-drying fabric, but it doesn’t wick moisture and is also not considered hypoallergenic.

D. Cooling Pillow Covers

For the cooling pillowcase covers, specially engineered fabrics are used that produce and amplify cooling sensation while you are sleeping. These kinds of pillowcases are perfect for hot sleepers or for those who prefer to sleep in a cold and crisp climate.

You can turn any pillow into a cold surface pillow by covering it with a cooling pillowcase or the cooling pillow protector. The cooling pillow covers work by dissipating heat faster as compared to other fabrics, keeping the pillowcase fabric feeling cool all night for a comfortable night’s sleep.

E. Tencel® Lyocell Pillow Covers

Tencel Lyocell is a bedding fabric that is famous for its botanic origins and feature-rich properties. Tencel is an eco-friendly fabric that is obtained from sustainable resources. It is not itchy or abrasive like cotton and wool fibers.

The pillow covers made from Tencel Lyocell are naturally hypoallergenic, inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, highly breathable, and moisture-wicking. Moreover, Tencel pillow covers are ideal for people who have sensitive skin because this fabric is quite smooth and soft.

Waterproof Pillow Cover Materials

Waterproof pillow covers are made from the two different materials:

A. Polyurethane Waterproof Pillow Covers

Polyurethane is a thin material as compared to vinyl, and is a flexible film that is used for waterproof fabrics while being totally silent and undetectable during sleep. This fabric is an excellent waterproof barrier and is highly breathable, having microscopic pores allowing air to pass through the pillowcase cover.

This material is also used for making different decorative pillow covers. These pillow covers keep the sleeper cool throughout the night, while efficiently preventing the transmission of dust, liquids, dust mites, and bed bugs. Polyurethane is a durable, cooler, and quite fabric to sleep on as compared to the other waterproof pillow cover material, vinyl.

B. Plastic or Vinyl Waterproof Pillow Covers

Vinyl fabric offers amazing waterproof benefits safeguarding pillows from spills, moisture, and liquids. The thickness of vinyl serves as an excellent barrier against dust mites and bed bugs. However, vinyl also has some drawbacks. This fabric retains heat, making the pillow warmer throughout the night.

It is not a breathable material; it traps sweat and moisture, resulting in a sticky or wet sleep surface. Additionally, the vinyl pillow cover can be crinkly and noisy when you try to adjust the pillow or move it at night. Vinyl pillow covers are durable and also easy to clean.

How to Buy A Pillow Cover?

There is a huge variety of pillow covers in the market. If you are looking for the pillow cover that matches your requirements, then you must consider the following features:

1. Size

In order to make DIY pillow covers, you must know the size of the pillow cover. You need to consider the size of your pillow first, for which you need the pillow cover. The first step is to measure the size of the pillow, then look for a cover that covers the pillow perfectly without excess fabric hanging on sides.

2. Breathability

If you prefer to sleep in a cool climate and are looking for a cool pillowcase, then choose the one that allows the pillow to breathe. A breathable material guarantees the efficient airflow and prevents heat from being trapped inside the pillow, offering a cooler night sleep.

A pillow cover having polyurethane backing allows more airflow and offers more cooling features as compared to vinyl counterparts.

3. Features

When you are looking for pillow protection, keep in mind the features that are most important to you. There are many beneficial features like cooling fabrics, wear and tear protection, waterproofing, and guarding against bed bugs that you can look for.

There are also hypoallergenic pillow covers, ideal for the sensitive sleeper who are allergic to dust mites, pesticides, certain fabrics, or chemicals. If you want these pillow covers, look for the bamboo or Tencel fabric.

4. Comfort

You can add an additional layer of comfort to cheap pillow covers. All you need is to look for the one with thick or layered fabrics. Thick fabrics make the pillow cover extra soft and comfortable.

Consider the fabrics like plush velour and jacquard knits, if you are looking for a thick pillow layer and these fabrics also keep you warmer. If you prefer a cold sleep climate, then look for a cooling pillow cover.

5. Easy to Wash

For your convenience, always buy a pillow cover that is easy to remove, wash, and maintain. Regular washing of the pillow cover is vital to ensure that it is hygienic, odorless, sanitized, and clean. Make sure to check the care instructions first before you buy a pillow cover.

The right pillow cover not only ensures the cleanliness of the bedding but also enhances comfort. No matter what fabric you choose, make sure that its properties suit best with your sleep type, comfort, and temperature.

How to Make Pillow Covers?

Pillows are an integral part of the bedroom. They offer a perfect resting place for your head and add some vital pops of colors to your bedroom. Pillows act as decor in your room; however, they require special care as they gather grease and dirt over time. To elongate the life of the pillows, power covers play a vital role.

There are various types of pillow covers that differ in their design. For example, there is an envelope pillow cover that is much easier to make as compared to a zipper pillowcase.

Similarly, for making throw pillow covers, you will not need to know how to install a zipper, but you still require to measure and cut straight. Whatever design of the pillow cover you want to stitch, steady hand and a good eye are necessary.

1. Slip Stitch Pillow Cover

If you want to know how to make pillow covers, then you must be aware of the types of pillow covers, one of which is slip stitch pillow cover.

• For making a slip stitch pillow cover, measure and cut the fabric. Add an inch extra to the height as well as the length of the pillow insert for the seam allowance.
• Using a ruler and the fabric pen, draw two squares on the cover’s fabric using the dimensions.
• Cut out these square shapes.
• Pin these fabric square together, and the unfinished sides should be outward.
• On the bottom edge, make a mark of 3 inches in from the left and right sides.
• Start sewing at one of the marks along all the edges of the pillow. Allow a half seam allowance and leave the space between the opened marks.
• Before turning the pillowcase right side out, snip off the corners.
• Push the corners outwards by using a point turner or a closed pair of scissors.
• Press on the edges of the pillowcase using an iron to make a clean edge. The edges which are unfinished will be under a half an inch.
• Now insert the pillow foam in this pillowcase and then slip stitch the case cover.

2. Envelop Pillow Case

• For making envelope bed pillow covers, take a fabric of your choice and cut a piece of fabric measuring 36 inches in length and 17 inches in width.
• Fold the sides in and now iron two creases allowing a total of 16 inches in the middle column.
• Iron two half-inch creases on each of the shorter ends of the fabric to make the end seams.
• Fold in the sides, and the fabric side of choice will be facing inward.
• Sew the two side seams that are half an inch on both lengths.
• Insert your pillow in the case.

3. Zippered Pillow Cover

• Cut out two pieces of the fabric, one for the front and the other for the back of the pillowcase.
• Lay out these two pieces of the fabric, one on top of the other, with the unfinished sides facing out.
• Lay the zipper you want to install along the bottom of the pillow cover.
• Where the zipper starts and stops, mark these two points by placing pins on the fabric. Remember, not to pin your zipper in place.
• With half-inch seam allowance, sew a regular straight stitch from the edge of each pin placed before. To start and stop your stitch, use backstitching, and do this on both sides.
• Between the pins places, you need to use the widest stitch possible on the machine. There is also zig-zag stitch in some of the machines used for decorative pillow covers, and it works well, as this will be removed once the zipper is on its place.
• Iron the seam that you have just made and place the zipper in the seam with face down.
• Pin the zipper in place.
• Attach the foot of the zipper on your machine.
• Start sewing from the end of the zipper using the regular straight stitch, farthest away from the zipper handle. Keep the stitch as close to the teeth of the zipper as you can.
• Keeping the needle in the fabric, lift the foot of the zipper and unzip the zipper carefully past the foot. After that, lower the foot and continue to the end of the zipper. Backstitch to end your stitch and make it more durable.
• Move the zipper back to the end and switch the zipper foot to the other side. Now repeat the above steps.

Conclusion

The pillow covers are part of the sheet set, and these are designed as a decorative and functional covering. A pillow cover is an inexpensive way to get peace of mind and extend the life of your pillows. Whether you are choosing luxury pillow covers, DIY pillow covers, allergy pillow covers, or the basic style, you can sleep with peace, knowing that your pillow is going to stay cleaner and pest-free.